News

On 30 November, Lithuania’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Vygaudas Ušackas and U.S. Ambassador to Lithuania Anne E. Derse signed a protocol, which strengthens the cooperation between Lithuania and the U.S.A. concerning the prevention of illegal transfer and trafficking in nuclear, biological and chemical weapons and related materials. The signing ceremony took place at Lithuania’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The Protocol partially amends and extends the term of the Agreement between the governments of Lithuania and the United States of America Concerning Cooperation in the Area of the Prevention of Proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction, and the Promotion of Defense and Military Relations.

“The agreement that was signed today will provide firmer ground for the cooperation between our two countries in the fight against terrorism. In this way we contribute to the safety of all Lithuanian citizens and to the security within the region and throughout the world,” Minister V.Ušackas said during the signing ceremony.

The Agreement that came into force in 2003 regulates the provision of the voluntary assistance by the U.S. The purpose of the assistance is to prevent the illegal transfer and trafficking in nuclear, biological and chemical weapons and related materials. In this area, the U.S. allocated assistance to Lithuania of over 11 million Litas during the 2003-2009 period.

The U.S. assistance and equipment made it possible to install radiation detection systems at the Vilnius International Airport and land border crossing points, a permanent surveillance system was installed at the Maišiagala Radioactive Waste Repository and physical security upgrades were made at five Lithuanian oncology clinics that use radioactive materials.

Amendments to the agreement will allow completing the installation and training of the staff that works with the equipment. The term of the Agreement is extended for seven more years until 2017.

Minister V.Ušackas expressed gratitude to the U.S. administration for the assistance that is important to Lithuania.

“This illustrates the close and comprehensive cooperation between Lithuania and the U.S.A. in facing the global threats,” the Minister stressed.

The implementation of the Agreement in Lithuania is coordinated by Lithuania’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The amendments to the document will come into force when the Seimas (Parliament) of the Republic of Lithuania ratifies them.

The first Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Lithuania and the Government of the United States of America Concerning Cooperation in the Area of the Prevention of Proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction, and the Promotion of Defense and Military Relations was signed in 2002.